I'm pregnant - Smoking Ends Here

It might seem like you already have enough to think about and plan, but there are ways to make stopping smoking easier.

It’s not enough just to cut down on smoking during pregnancy, as no amount is safe.

Every cigarette you smoke has over 4,000 chemicals – many of which harm your unborn baby and restrict the oxygen supply to their lungs.

Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke is one of the best things you can do. The sooner you start, the better. But even if you stop in the last few weeks, the benefits will be instant.

What happens when I stop?

Good things happen when you stop

When you stop smoking in pregnancy, you…

Reduce your risk of complications in pregnancy and birth

Are more likely to have a healthier pregnancy and healthier baby

Reduce your risk of stillbirth and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as “cot death”

Reduce the risk of your baby being born prematurely, which can lead to feeding and health problems

Are more likely to give birth to a baby born at a healthy weight, meaning they are less likely to have problems keeping warm – which can lead to infections

Let’s make stopping easier

Some women may feel embarrassed or guilty when it comes to telling their midwife that they smoke. But we promise you they just want to help. Which is why it’s so important to tell them as soon as possible.

The support of your birthing team and those around you is crucial to your success!

You’re three times more likely to stop if you use treatments along with stop smoking support compared to trying to do it alone.

Trying a combination of free tools can help you decide what’s right for your journey to stop smoking.

Discover the tools

Explore Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

NRT is safe to use during pregnancy and is available for free from your midwifery support team or a local Stop Smoking Service or pharmacy. They’ll help you find the product that suits your needs and lifestyle. Support is available while you’re pregnant to help you stay smoke free all the way through to birth.

Nictone Replacement Therapy

Use stop smoking apps

These apps can support you with the knowledge and practical skills that are proven to help you stop smoking.

Some even come with progress trackers and savings calculators to help you stay focused while you try to stop smoking.

Help is here

Try practising mindfulness

Light meditation techniques can help you to destress and be armed with routines to help you deal with difficult situations, which would usually see you reach for a cigarette.

You can make this simple and fun with the help of a podcast or some relaxing music that you listen to while lying down with your favourite candles lit.

Do some light exercise

Exercise can be a great way to distract yourself from cravings, as well as helping you improve your physical and mental health.

There are lots of pregnancy-friendly workouts available online or you can simply head out for a walk or join a local group to meet other people from your area and even mums-to-be.

Find more guidance

Not sure where to start?

The NHS have put together some information on how to find the best stop-smoking products for you.

Learn more

Don’t forget, breathing in secondhand smoke also harms your baby

If you live with or spend lots of time with someone who smokes, you’ll be breathing in their smoke and chemicals.

Even if they open a window, move to another room to smoke, or smoke out of a window, you’ll still be at risk of harming yourself and your baby.

It’s important you speak to your loved ones about stopping or smoking outside, along with the help and support they can access to stop smoking too. Especially as it can make your journey to being smoke free more difficult if you’re in their company while they’re smoking.

It’s also illegal to smoke in a car when someone under 18 is inside.

If you’re trying to support a loved one to stop smoking while pregnant, here are some tips.

I’m pregnant